Tag: Ethan Suplee

BABYLON (2022)

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Written & Directed By Damien Chazelle

Cinematography: Luis Sandgren

Editor: Tom Cross

Cast: Brad Pitt, Margot Robbie, Diego Calva, Jovan Adepo, Lukas Haas, Jean Smart, Olivia Wilde, Samara Weaving, Flea, Max Minghella, Li Jun Li, Jeff Garlin, Katherine Waterston, Tobey Maguire, Ethan Suplee, Kaia Gerber, Joe Dellesandro, Patrick Fugit, Eric Roberts, Rory Scovel, P.J. Byrne, Bob Clendenin 

Hollywood, 1926. Nellie LaRoy is trying to catch her first break as an actress. Manny Torres wants to do something in movies, anything as he believes filmmaking is the ultimate profession. Sidney Palmer is an unambitious young trumpeter who is happy to go wherever the music takes him. Jack Conrad is Hollywood’s #1 leading man. Their lives and careers are about to be intertwined in the maelstrom of ambition, breakthroughs, disappointments, changing technology and audiences, and decadence.

Next to WHIPLASH, this might be Director Damien Chazelle‘s best film. It’s another film like his previous film LA LA LAND, exploring the history, tragedy, and beauty of Hollywood and the unending industry of dreams.  He tackled this after a journey literally to outer space with the film FIRST MAN. 

This reeks of a passion project, and while it has a lengthy running time it truly is an epic. Where are you? Don’t notice the running time though you can feel the 3 act structure. A sprawling epic of mythic proportions. As after all, it is Hollywood. 

The film offers, a dazzling, beginning, where we are quickly brought into the debauchery of the era, which sets us Avenue for how low, and how dirty the characters will go throughout, The characters and the Director guide you through with interest as to what’s going on around you and offer you little intros, hints, and suggestions

The lead in our story, played by Diego Calva, is of Mexican heritage. He seems as if he is a stand-in for half the film, not strongly involved, necessarily, letting the film focus on other things and other than the main one. After all most of the other supporting characters are played by movie stars, whose characters stars or become movie stars. The main character gets more involved in it all in the second half as he rises up the Hollywood ladder, and the other two main characters played by Brad Pitt and Margot Robbie are falling for various reasons

An interest in film history and classic movie Stars will help when it comes to any audience member’s interest in the film. It plays like a dash of DAY OF THE LOCUST and Hollywood Babylon, with a refreshing SINGIN’ IN THE RAIN way of working next to each other, though, don’t necessarily share many scenes together, and as the film shows how Hollywood is moving to talkies and sound from silent films.

Margot Robbie gives a truly iconic performance, where she truly gives her all and shows the appeal of her character, especially in her low moments. She is the battery of sorts. While The scandals that pepper, the background well her character will do anything to be a star while living up to her nickname in the film

Brad Pitt plays in the movie star who has tons of ideas for future productions, but as his time is coming to a close, he ends up losing confidence even as he is the one who has helped build or added to the industry at the time and has made many crews comfortable, but as times change his own is limited And he can’t stand being a laughingstock or even being thought, less than

Tobey Maguire‘s appearance seems to be meant to be like Alfred Molina‘s in Boogie Nights cause a ruckus and adding a bit of danger to an already volatile situation, and while he does incomes closest to a villain other than his degrading look, he doesn’t make as much of an impression though he is definitely scary

The film is like Once Upon a Time in Hollywood, only it doesn’t rewrite history but takes its time telling stories

Add heart the film is a love story in there for people, as well as others art Hollywood life but also with the Darkside th thrown in as kind of what you have to go through to get there, what you have to deal with to stay there

The film and its title can be seen, Like Hollywood Babylon, where its title seems to come from, so it’s a kingdom that slowly comes down and wild rice, and again had the purge itself

Like the Ryan Murphy Limited series, HOLLYWOOD, this film tries to add color in minorities to the history of Hollywood yet unlike that project, this doesn’t try to rewrite history and please all who are involved instead it offers details like it is to a degree showing the ugly truth.

Now Jovan Adepo, as a jazz musician in this, feels a bit forced as his storylines come to nothing really other than representation but nothing is done with it and it could’ve been so much more. The same with Lady Fay Zhu character. Who is of Asian nationality. Though it does fit the episodic nature of the film. Though quickly drops these characters of color 

Who even has a relationship with a major character and leaves to be A mere background character. It feels like it wasn’t phased out or cut out. He just feels a little like pandering for inclusion. At least the film and the Director, Damien Chazelle tries just not enough entirely.

The founders have rapid editing in the beginning that is a little distracting like the film Moulin Rouge, though as it settles and sets up who we are mostly going to follow and becomes confident and takes, it’s time 

It’s a strong film for an audience. I only wish I had seen it on the big screen because that is what it deserves as it is pure Cinema. 

The film was unfairly picked on, and the result of bad press as watching it now it comes across more as an underrated gem, and a kind of lost opportunity for film fans. As it does come across as an informative film, lovers dream of Hollywood history.

The characters cross, each other’s pass, but offer each other no real goodbyes, which might be why the ending hit so hard. 

Grade: A-

THE WOLF OF WALL STREET (2013)

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Directed by: Martin Scorsese 
Written By: Terence Winter 
Based on the Book “The Wolf Of Wall Street” By: Jordan Belfort 
Cinematography: Rodrigo Prieto
Editor: Thelma Schoonmaker

Cast: Leonardo DiCaprio, Jonah Hill, Margot Robie, Matthew McConaughey, Jon Bernthal, Kyle Chandler, Rob Reiner, Jon Favreau, Shea Whigham, Jean Dujardin, Joanna Lumley, Cristin Milioti, Aya Cash, Christine Ebersole, Ethan Suplee,  P.J. Byrne, Kenneth Choi, Jake Hoffman, Rizwan Manji, Thomas Middleditch, Fran Lebowitz 

Based on the true story of Jordan Belfort, from his rise to a wealthy stock-broker living the high life to his fall involving crime, corruption and the federal government.

This film at heart is more of a dark comedy than a drama. Yes, it’s based on a true story and there are many victims in this tale who barely get any attention. As the film’s protagonist is the con-man who ripped them off, but the film feels like no matter what it wants us to root for him and feel for him overall.

Leonardo DiCaprio gives one of his best performances and one of his out-and-out funny comedic performances. As we have never seen him this loose and open in a performance. that truly astonishes

 It’s not only him the film is filled with recognizable actors playing real-life people but while they are characters and three-dimensional they are also played so big that they come off naturally more comedic. Even though their crimes hurt many. As Jonah Hill, Matthew McConaughey, and Jon Berenthal all have their times to shine and at least a scene to highlight. 

At a certain point, they are doing so many illegal things that you can barely tell what is right and what is wrong. As the business they build seems to get off on debauchery and the film treats it as both revelatory letting us participate In The mayhem and experience the 1980’s excess but also giving us enough details to see it as a cautionary tale and see the harsh aftermath for some.

This also is Margot Robbie’s debut and introduction to the public as a sex symbol. Just as Charlize Theron made her debut in the movie 2 DAYS IN THE VALLEY. Here at first, you notice Ms. Robbie’s looks then you notice she is actually quite a good actress and one of the memorable ingredients to this movie. 

Now this tale could have been told in a smaller way but just like the main character it must be told larger than life and feel rather epic in size. As it is a rare film where we kind of root for the bad guys. Even if we know they are horrible. As we have been following them from the beginning and in essence living the life of excess with them in the film. So that even when we see them do bad things we have a weakness for them and want to see them succeed even at the expense of others. 

The film feels like a crime spree as it is episodic as we are taken throughout the crimes and how the businessmen stay afloat and the deals they have to make to keep laundering their money and stay on top. The film even follows their international adventures that open up the film to be more global and have more consequences. As they have their overseas adventures. Even with the law on their tails embodied by a character played by Kyle Chandler who seems to be incorruptible and always right behind.

The film even though his character later In The film asks if it is worth it. Being honest and in the straight and narrow. Still having to scrape by when you could easily turn a blind eye, do the wrong thing, and live in Luxury. 

This is the most electrifying and energetic director Martin Scorsese has been with a film. Also, his first film has come close to a comedy since AFTER HOURS. Though the film condemns the characters. The film also has a lot of fun with them. Leaving behind plenty of classic moments. 

The film gets to glorify and highlight the 80’s and 90’s excess and over-the-top nature of business and the stock market. A kind of juvenile version of the movie WALL STREET, but just as powerful and memorable. Only here do you see more behavior outside of the office than necessarily the more business side. Which marks the film all the more attractive. 

In the end, even for a somber tale,  the film is a good time. A misogynistic fantasy that offers what happens after you wake up from the dream and have to pay for it. As the film presents its a tale with the highs like being on drugs but then eventually you have to come down and sober up and the pain of what sobering up feels like. 

GRADE: A

ROAD TRIP (2000)

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Directed By: Todd Phillips 
Written By: Todd Phillips & Scot Armstrong 
Cinematography: Mark Irwin 
Editor: Sheldon Kahn 

Cast: Breckin Meyer, Seann William Scott, Tom Green, Amy Smart, Paulo Costanzo, DJ Qualls, Rachel Blanchard, Anthony Rapp, Fred Ward, Andy Dick, Ethan Suplee, Horatio Sanz, Jessica Cauffiel, Wendell B. Harris Jr., Mary Lynn Rajskub, Todd Barry, Matt Walsh, Cleo King 

In the University of Ithaca, while showing the campus to the new students and their relatives, the veteran tour guide Barry Manilow tells the love story of his friend Josh Parker. Josh has a girlfriend, Tiffany Henderson, who went to the University of Austin, and they have promised to be faithful to each other. However, Josh has an affair with his sexy friend Beth Wagner, and they have accidentally videotaped it. One of his friends sends the videotape to Tiffany by mistake, and Josh decides to travel to Austin with his friends E.L., Rubin Carver and Kyle Edwards to retrieve the videotape before Tiffany sees it. Will he succeed?

This is a small Film set up and succeeds at being an epic blockbuster 

This Feels like a return to the 1980’s type of college movie. Though like most of director Todd Phillips comedies. It never goes as far at pushing the envelope, but further then most were at the time and for quite some time before. 

Like this film allowed for more gross pushing the limits humor that has been absent. So at the time this was a return and kind of radical of what was expected of at the time emboldened by one of the stars of the film Seann Willam Scott’s previous hit film he appeared in AMERICAN PIE

Though at the time understandable as this was Mr. Phillips first official film, especially a studio film. He seems all in for taking risks but not totally.

The film has many memorable scenes but the material never quite sticks to the landing. Though what works is more the random Original comedy at the college.

Tom Green who co-stars and was one of the bigger names in the cast at the time. Having a hit television show on MTV. Seems here to kind of grow his career and start a big screen comedic career. His character is vital somewhat to the movie, but for the most part seems off to the side and by himself. Only to have his own little side plot that leads to a comedically Over the top scene and to give information. Not to mention is supposedly the narrator for the film. 

As a road trip movie truly living Up to its title. Is episodic and loose which makes it seem more like a bunch of skits involving the same group of characters. 

While each makes their presence felt. As this is supposed to be an ensemble film. Breckin Meyer is the lead that the plot revolves around and overall comedic straight man. Which makes him feel boring in comparison to most. It ends up the same with his love interests. Who are pretty but not given much to do. 

While there are many memorable characters DJ Qualls walks away with the movie as the MVP. His innocent character learns how to let loose and comes of age.

The scene that seems the most classic Is when the story has them staying at an all black frat house. 

One of the strengths of Todd Phillips is that even here and throughout most of his comedic feature films is that he always fills his films with comedians in acting roles, usually comedic actors who are more adept at improv that add to the looseness of scenes. Though they help build the humor in scenes also. 

Grade: C+

THE HUNT (2020)

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Directed By: Craig Zobel
Written By: Damon Lindelof & Nick Cuse
Cinematography: Darran Tiernan
Editor: Jane Rizzo

Cast: Betty Gilpin, Hilary Swank, Ethan Suplee, Emma Roberts, Ike Barinholtz, Glenn Howerton, Amy Madigan, Wayne Duvall, Sturgill Simpson, Reed Birney, Macon Blair

“Twelve strangers wake up in a clearing. They don’t know where they are — or how they got there. In the shadow of a dark internet conspiracy theory, ruthless elitists gather at a remote location to hunt humans for sport. But their master plan is about to be derailed when one of the hunted, Crystal, turns the tables on her pursuers.

This movie is full of action and a rather surprising amount of violence. Though keeps a dark sense of humor throughout and flips the script a little. 

As the victims trying to survive the hunt are more Americana types who are usually villainized on social media and the hunters are emote the liberal elites who seem to find everything somehow insulting and must be corrected. 

The film doesn’t seem to take any side but shows there are good and bad in both and this is all taken to the extreme. The second scene is great as far as setting the tone. As we see familiar actors and types of characters who we assume will be the hero and then we see some of them taken down and through the first 30 minutes, we are never quite sure who to follow, trust, or believe. 

We are kind of put into the similar mindsets of the hunted characters constantly questioning what is going on. So enough our hero or anti-hero played by Betty Gilpin who stays a badass throughout and whose character had the same kind of sarcastic swagger that most male Action heroes have. Luckily at no point does her look or attractiveness has anything to do with her survival or getting the upper hand. This is a tar making role and she handles it well.

The film is over the top violent that after a while it becomes a joke itself as well as feels ridiculous at times.

Though there is mention of minorities. The film still doesn’t have any amongst its cast which is a lost opportunity the film seems to want to avoid. As that may make the film Have to more make a decision. Though it might have also given more of a point of view. 

Hillary swank as the villain would have been more interesting seeing her in the heroic role but that might have been too expected. It’s nice to see her in movies again. I only wish she was getting bigger roles. Though her hand to hand fight with Gilpin is the third act and one of the best action sequences in the Film. 

The film never quite slows down. As when it comes to the ending it feels like barely any turn has passed. So that this film feels like a breath of fresh air. 

Directed by Craig Zobel is shocking as his films are usually more humanistic dramas and comedies. This is the first more action-oriented mainstream movie he has made and he passes with flying colors. Showing himself to be more a journeyman director. 

The fact ironies in this movie are Intentional. As showing how all of this started. This is a worst-case scenario of what it seems like is going on in the world when it comes to personal politics. This is more a satire that fits in with movies such as BATTLE ROYALE, THE PURGE, MAYHEM, and THE BELKO EXPERIMENT. Though this film not as dark in the spirit, it might more remind or be a companion piece to THE RUNNING MAN or SURVIVAL OF THE FITTEST.

Grade: B-

DON’S PLUM (2001)

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donsplum

Directed By: R.D. Robb
Written By: R.D. Robb, Tawd Beckman, Bethany Ashton, David Stutman & Dale Wheatley
Based On The Play “THE SATURDAY NIGHT CLUB” By: David Stutman
Cinematography: Steve Adcock & Brian Bellamy
Editor: Paul Heiman
Music By: Blake Soper 

Cast: Leonardo DiCaprio, Tobey Maguire, Scott Bloom, Kevin Connolly, Jenny Lewis, Jeremy Sisto, Ethan Suplee, Marisa Ryan, Amber Benson, Bethany Ashton, Marissa Ribisi, Heather McComb, Byron Thames, Nikki Cox 


A group of Los Angeles Twenty somethings meet every week at their local diner to discuss their latest misadventures in their miserable lives. Continue reading “DON’S PLUM (2001)” →